A popular Kilmarnock venue will be closing its doors in a matter of weeks.
Bar Luca, which was nominated for Ayrshire Live's Pub of the Year competition, will serve its last pint on Sunday, October 2 as owners prepare for a change of sectors.
Boss Gary Cunningham has confirmed they'll be moving to a new local venue, renamed Olivia's Bistro, but will be catering towards the food and hot drink side of things rather than alcohol.
He revealed: "We are sorry to announce that the last day the doors to Bar Luca will open will be Sunday, October 2.
"The venue will no longer be operating in the hospitality industry and will move into a different sector.
"The next few weeks will be your last chance to sip those cocktails in the building. Although this is sad news to us, we will be moving into another venue locally.
"Olivia’s Bistro will be serving the freshest coffees, bagels, breakfasts, brunch and many dinner choices that we are sure you will love. You may even be allowed to bring your own bottle!"
Mr Cunningham continued: "We took over Bar Luca in 2019 and throughout that time we have had to endure the toughest times hospitality has ever seen. It is a testament to the business and our staff that we have managed to battle on. We would like to thank all staff past and present.
"Throughout our time we have tried to help the community as much as we can.
"Working alongside Recovery Enterprise Scotland was the most humbling of them all. We provided 200 meals weekly to those in need, raised £5,000 in order to provide weekly food donations and also made 150 three-course meals for families to enjoy Christmas. We will be forever proud of this.
"Bringing George Bowie to Kilmarnock was another massive highlight to us. For a venue in Kilmarnock to pull off such a great day was unreal."
Mr Cunningham admits the rising costs which face hospitality venues was the main reason they have opted to close the Bank Street outlet.
He said: "As we all know, hospitality faces tough times with massive rising costs. This is the main decision behind our decision to move. A smaller venue with more manageable costs will be more manageable long term.
"We would like to thank all our loyal customers. We hope you follow us to the new venue.
"On a personal level, I would like to thank my better half Lauren. It’s been a tough few years and she has backed me through all of them.
"Lastly, I hope you can all help us give the venue the send-off it deserves. We would love to see you all over the next three weeks.
"All our future bookings will be contacted with an option to move to the new venue."
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